LORAIN -- Three students from Stevan Dohanos Elementary School were honored yesterday morning as runners-up in the "Do the Right Thing" program.

Students Jacob Rupert, Angel Cruz and Amiyah Daniels were nominated for the award by their teacher, Courtney Knapik.

"They have all shown tremendous progress this year," Knapik said. "They've shown that they are able to overcome their exceptionalities."

All three runner-up recipients are members in a special education class at Dohanos school.

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"They come to school ready to learn everyday," Knapik said. "It has been amazing."

The students were given a T-shirt and certificate to commemorate the honor.

"We're excited to do this," Lorain police Capt. Tom Mize told the students. "You all showed that you were willing to do the right thing. We're proud of you."

Mize emphasized that the award was as much for the parents as it was for the students.

"So often we don't get the chance to talk to the parents," Mize said. "When we do, it's usually in a negative situation. We want to thank you parents for supporting your kids so they could get these awards."

The "Do the Right Thing" program is co-sponsored by the Lorain Police Department and The Morning Journal as a way to reward students who have acted in an exemplary manner.

"It's a fantastic program," Lorain City Schools Superintendent Tom Tucker said. "It's a way for us to honor students for doing what is right and for making the right choices."

The program had recently been on hold for more than a year. However, that hiatus ended earlier this month when two other students were presented "Do the Right Thing" awards.

"This is the second round of presentations," Tucker said. "It's great to have this program back. It lets us show the good things happening in our schools."

Children in the Lorain City School District can be nominated for the award by submitting a nomination form to the Lorain Police Department, 100 West Erie Ave. Forms can be located on the department's website, www.cityoflorain.org/police, under the "programs and services" section.